Learn
The big idea
What the Larsen's Opening is really about.
A flexible flank opening (the Nimzo-Larsen Attack): White fianchettoes the queen's bishop to b2 to rake the long dark-squared diagonal a1–h8, pressuring e5 and the centre from the wing. It sidesteps mainstream theory and leads to original, hypermodern middlegames where understanding the plans matters more than memorizing moves.
- White's plan: Fianchetto with b3 and Bb2, control the long diagonal, restrain Black's centre with e3 and pieces, and choose a central break (c4, d4, or f4 with Nf3) once developed.
- Black's plan: Grab the centre with ...e5/...d5 and develop naturally; challenge the b2 bishop's diagonal (e.g. defending e5 solidly) and aim to prove the fianchetto is slow.
What is the key piece in Larsen's Opening (1.b3)?
Answer the question to keep going!